Glitz Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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glitz

[ɡlɪts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fashion

Extravagant showiness, flashy or glamorous attraction or appeal.

Synonyms

extravagance, flashiness, glamour, showiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
glitz

Used when referring to something that is showy or glamorous, often implying superficial or sparkling attractiveness.

  • The event was full of glitz and celebrities
  • ; The new restaurant has a lot of glitz but the food is just average
glamour

Mentioned when talking about an alluring or stylish charm, often with an element of sophistication and elegance.

  • She was known for her glamour on and off the screen
  • ; The city is famous for its old-world glamour
flashiness

Refers to something bright, showy, and attention-grabbing, often carrying a slightly negative connotation of lacking substance.

  • The car's flashiness made it stand out in the neighborhood
  • ; He is known for his flashiness, always showing off expensive clothes and gadgets
extravagance

Typically mentioned when discussing something overly luxurious or expensive, often beyond what is reasonable or necessary.

  • Her birthday party was a display of extravagance
  • ; The company's extravagance in their spending led to financial trouble
showiness

Often used to describe something overly showy or ostentatious, with a sense that it is attempting to impress but may lack depth.

  • The showiness of his jewelry was hard to ignore
  • ; Her dress had a certain showiness that made it unsuitable for the event

Examples of usage

  • The dress was covered in glitz and sequins.
  • The event was full of glitz and glamour.
Context #2 | Noun

entertainment

The quality of being exciting, attractive, or strongly appealing.

Synonyms

allure, appeal, attraction, excitement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
glitz

Use in contexts involving glamour and flashy splendor, often with a hint of superficiality or artificiality.

  • The awards ceremony was full of glitz and glam.
  • Her dress was stunning with all its glitz and sparkles.
excitement

Used to express a feeling of lively enthusiasm and eagerness.

  • The excitement of the crowd was palpable during the concert.
  • She felt a rush of excitement before the big game.
attraction

General term for something that draws interest or attention, often used in various fields like tourism, entertainment, or relationships.

  • The theme park's main attraction is its enormous roller coaster.
  • There is a strong attraction between the two lead characters in the movie.
appeal

Appropriate for expressing attraction or interest that is simpler and more straightforward.

  • The new smartphone has a lot of appeal to tech enthusiasts.
  • Her logical arguments had a strong appeal to the audience.
allure

Best used when referring to an attractive quality that is mysterious or seductive.

  • The allure of the ancient ruins drew many visitors.
  • His charisma had an undeniable allure that caught everyone's attention.

Examples of usage

  • The movie had a lot of glitz and kept the audience engaged.
  • The performer added glitz to the show with her stunning costumes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The 'glitz' of Hollywood often refers to the glamorous lifestyle of celebrities and the dazzling events they attend.
  • Shows like 'Dancing with the Stars' use 'glitz' to describe the vibrant costumes and performances that captivate audiences.
  • The phrase 'glitz and glam' is frequently used to describe the opulent aspects of red carpet events.

Fashion

  • Fashion from the 1980s embraced 'glitz' with bold colors, flashy accessories, and extravagant designs.
  • Designers often incorporate 'glitz' through sequins, metallic fabrics, and eye-catching embellishments in their collections.
  • Fashion weeks around the world showcase how 'glitz' plays a role in creating impactful runway presentations.

Psychology

  • The allure of 'glitz' can invoke feelings of happiness and excitement, often linked to positive experiences and aspirations.
  • Research suggests that environments filled with 'glitz' can trigger impulsive buying behaviors due to their stimulating nature.
  • People may be drawn to 'glitz' as a means of escape from mundane daily life, seeking excitement and novelty.

Literature

  • 'Glitz' often appears in novels and stories to critique superficial lifestyles, highlighting the contrast between wealth and authenticity.
  • Authors in the post-modern era frequently incorporate 'glitz' to symbolize the emptiness behind a glamorous facade.
  • Books focusing on celebrity culture often discuss the 'glitz' of fame as both alluring and detrimental.

Origin of 'glitz'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Glitz' originated in the Yiddish word 'glitsn,' which means 'to shine' or 'to glitter.'
  • The word entered the English language in the 1960s, often used in the context of film and fashion.
  • In its early use, 'glitz' was often associated with superficiality or ostentation.

The word 'glitz' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the German word 'glitzern', meaning 'to glitter'. It first appeared in English language usage in the 1950s, gaining popularity in the context of fashion and entertainment to describe flashy, glamorous, or attractive elements.


See also: glitzy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,515, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.